People living in Gwynedd can now access more services quickly and conveniently under one roof with the opening of two new centres.
Siop Gwynedd was opened officially by the Welsh Assembly’s Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas on Friday, 26 November. The new-look centres are at Gwynedd Council’s offices at Cae Penarlâg, Dolgellau and Ffordd y Cob, Pwllheli. A similar service is being planned for the Caernarfon area.
Siop Gwynedd staff may be able to help with the enquiry there and then, or can arrange for an officer from a specific department to deal with the enquiry. Forms and leaflets relating to Council services are also available at Siop Gwynedd.
The reception areas have recently been refurbished and include closed off meeting rooms where members of the public can discuss private business with Council officers. There is also free access to the Council’s website, and all its services, at Siop Gwynedd, and staff can help people navigate the website.
Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd, who leads on customer care matters on Gwynedd Council, said:
“Previously, people who wanted to discuss or request a Council service in Dwyfor or Meirionnydd were faced with 22 different receptions and meeting centres dotted around the area, which was confusing, and time consuming, for those unfamiliar with the Council and its working practices.
“The old arrangement was also totally unsuitable to people who have mobility problems.
“The new Siop Gwynedd service works hand in hand with the Council’s telephone contact centre, Galw Gwynedd, which is ideal for those who cannot visit the Council in person; and the services available on the Gwynedd Council website, which is convenient for those who may not be able to contact the Council during work hours.”
Video conferencing facilities are also available at Siop Gwynedd, which means that members of the public can discuss matters with Council officers even though they work from a different location. Discussions are also ongoing to include details about other agencies at the Siop Gwynedd facilities.
Siop Gwynedd in Dolgellau and Pwllheli started operating during the summer and to date have already dealt with 4,699 and 5,334 enquiries respectively.
- Siop Gwynedd at Cae Penarlâg Dolgellau and Ffordd y Cob Pwllheli are open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
- Galw Gwynedd can be contacted on 01766 771000, Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5.30pm.
- Visit the Gwynedd Council website on www.gwynedd.gov.uk
